Rhode Island eyeing gay marriage legislation

Providence
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On Thursday Rhode Island Rep. Arthur Handy introduced a new piece of legislation to both House and Senate which, if passed, would introduce Rhode Island as an equal-marriage state.

Democrat Rep. Handy newly introduced this bill stating, "Any person who otherwise meets the eligibility requirements [in law] may marry any other eligible person regardless of gender,” which yes, does mean Rhode Island may (very likely) soon join the other 8 states within the U.S who currently allow gay marriage. (California, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Iowa, New Hampshire, Washington, Maine.)

Gov. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island is ecstatic of the possible bill's passing, even stating in his inaugural address, "...let's hype up the fact that Rhode Island should move in the direction of equality." Chafee calls for all law-makers to sign the bill, and is willing to sign if it (ever) reaches his desk.

"When marriage equality is the law in Rhode Island, we honor our forefathers who risked their lives and fortune in the pursuit of human equality," Gov. Chafee continued.

29 law-makers co-signing the bill, (includes house speaker Gordon Fox) makes this piece of legislation very likely to pass; with Rhode Island considering marriage for Gay and Lesbian couples, for every year since 1997, this may be the last year of seeing it.

The bill is expected to pass, and with so many supports banking on the legalization of equal marriage, it only makes the passing that more likely.

Discussing repealing anti-immigration laws, Chafee concluded with, "These two actions will do more for economic growth in our state than any economic development loan."

With the immense support from the Governor, Representative, and Speaker of The House, the bill's future seems to be pretty clear, yet not certain, but if one thing is certain, it's that if said bill doesn't pass, there will always be next year.